The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has pledged to take significant steps towards promoting the inclusion of female engineers in the execution of various projects across the state.
Receiving members of the Akwa Ibom Female Engineers of Nigeria, AKIFEN, in her office at Government House, Uyo, Lady Helen Obareki, reiterated her commitment to giving visibility to women in the state.
“My mandate is for women and children and I can promise that this will be on my front burner. We need to put Akwa Ibom women on the map. We are already breaking ceilings in several areas, so why not in engineering too?
“Before now, I would not have lobbied for jobs or anything for female engineers because this group had not been brought to my attention. After this meeting, there is no way I’ll sit where conversations about contracts and jobs are made and I won’t make a case for you. I’ll always let those who need to know, that I have a group of female engineers who are qualified and able to execute jobs,” she said.
The Coordinator promised to inform Governor Umo Eno of the group with the aim of soliciting contracts for the female engineers.
In the drive for youth inclusion and empowerment of the State Government, the First Lady Designate encouraged members of AKIFEN to also register on the State Procurement Portal, in order to access job and contract opportunities emerging from state projects.
In her words; “I will take this organisation to His Excellency, the Governor, formerly and let him know that there are powerful women who are able and capable.”
Speaking earlier, the President of AKIFEN, Engr. Ekaette Inyang, highlighted the association’s core activities to include promoting science-based courses among young females and mentoring girls to take on leadership roles.
Engr. Inyang emphasized that AKIFEN comprises seasoned professionals who are committed to partnering with the current administration to ensure the effective implementation of the ARISE Agenda as well as support the GIFA initiative.
She promised to readiness of members of the group to display their technical expertise in driving impactful development, while also executing government projects if granted opportunities.
